Upgrade of Linac Safety System Continues

by Lori Ann White

Matt Cyterski and Kristina Turner standing next to the scaffolding for the old PPS wiring. (Photo by Lori Ann White.)

In 2007, SLAC's Accelerator Engineering Controls Department performed the first in a series of planned upgrades to the Personnel Protection System that safeguards staff working with the linac's accelerator systems. The next phase of the work is now in progress.

The project, managed by Kristina Turner, consists of bypassing an intricate array of relays in Building 3, the home of SLAC's original Central Control Room, and installing a new PPS that depends on modern programmable logic controllers, or PLC, instead of the original electromechanical relays. Matthew Cyterski, the group's expert on the type of PLC being installed, said he thinks the upgrade is long overdue.

"The relay system is based on 1940's telephone technology," he said. In the 1960's, when the Building 3 control room was built, Cyterski said, such technology was considered the most reliable, most extensively tested technology available.

Now, as then, the PPS stands guard over not only the linac but all SLAC accelerator facilities. It both protects people against inadvertently entering the accelerator tunnel during operation and prevents unauthorized access to the beamline. Should someone somehow breach its safeguards, the PPS shuts off the beamline to prevent injury.

SLAC Holiday Party: Global Peace... Global Joy

by Maria Mastrokyriakos

All employees are invited to celebrate the Holiday Season with a scrumptious buffet luncheon, entertainment and a fun raffle at the SLAC holiday celebration, Wednesday, December 15, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A few elves plan on stopping by with some prizes to share in the holiday spirit! The party theme, "Global Peace... Global Joy," celebrating our diverse staff, is meant to be inclusive of all faiths and ethnicities. Please feel free to join in that spirit by donating an item representative of your country for one of our Global Gift Baskets. Contact Maria Mastrokyriakos for more information.

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Oct 29 (12:30 p.m.) Theory Seminar: Cosmic Ray Propagation Time Scales

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Neutron Star Packs Two Suns' Mass in London-sized Space BBC News
The Telescope that Ate Astronomy Nature News
Compact X-ray Source Could Rival Accelerators Physicsworld

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View online at http://today.slac.stanford.edu/.

Upgrade of Linac Safety System Continues by Lori Ann White Matt Cyterski and Kristina Turner standing next to the scaffolding for the old PPS wiring. (Photo by Lori Ann White.) In 2007, SLAC's Accelerator Engineering Controls Department performed the first in a series of planned upgrades to the Personnel Protection System that safeguards staff working with the linac's accelerator systems. The next phase of the work is now in progress. The project, managed by Kristina Turner, consists of bypassing an intricate array of relays in Building 3, the home of SLAC's original Central Control Room, and installing a new PPS that depends on modern programmable logic controllers, or PLC, instead of the original electromechanical relays. Matthew Cyterski, the group's expert on the type of PLC being installed, said he thinks the upgrade is long overdue. "The relay system is based on 1940's telephone technology," he said. In the 1960's, when the Building 3 control room was built, Cyterski said, such technology was considered the most reliable, most extensively tested technology available. Now, as then, the PPS stands guard over not only the linac but all SLAC accelerator facilities. It both protects people against inadvertently entering the accelerator tunnel during operation and prevents unauthorized access to the beamline. Should someone somehow breach its safeguards, the PPS shuts off the beamline to prevent injury. Read more... SLACers enjoy the buffet lunch at the 2010 SLAC holiday party. (Photo by Steffen Lutz.) SLAC Holiday Party: Global Peace... Global Joy by Maria Mastrokyriakos All employees are invited to celebrate the Holiday Season with a scrumptious buffet luncheon, entertainment and a fun raffle at the SLAC holiday celebration, Wednesday, December 15, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A few elves plan on stopping by with some prizes to share in the holiday spirit! The party theme, "Global Peace... Global Joy," celebrating our diverse staff, is meant to be inclusive of all faiths and ethnicities. Please feel free to join in that spirit by donating an item representative of your country for one of our Global Gift Baskets. Contact Maria Mastrokyriakos for more information.	Events Oct 29 (12:30 p.m.) Theory Seminar: Cosmic Ray Propagation Time Scales Access (see all) South Linac Access Road Closed at Sector 19 Construction near B40, B84 Parking Lot A Closures RSB Project Info and Updates Announcements (see all \| submit) Lab Announcements Flu Shots Available Thursdays 1:30-3:30 p.m. 2010 All Hands Safety and Security Fair Oct 29 Community Bulletin Board 39th Annual SLAC Run and Walk Nov 18 Training (see all \| register) Lab Training Calendar Registration Today (10:00 a.m.) Rad Worker Practical News (submit) Neutron Star Packs Two Suns' Mass in London-sized Space BBC News The Telescope that Ate Astronomy Nature News Compact X-ray Source Could Rival Accelerators Physicsworld
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